EmailDryer technology is fairly standard -- most dryers do a good job getting clothes dry and use about the same amount of energy. Clothes dryers mainly differ in terms of noise insulation, extra features, capacity and appearance.
Complaints about clothes remaining damp after drying are very common, but this isn't usually caused by a problem with the dryer itself. Lint buildup behind the filter and in the venting system is a very common cause of damp clothing, and can be easily prevented by cleaning the filter thoroughly after every use and regularly vacuuming the filter area. The vent system itself may need to be periodically cleaned as well.
Another common cause of damp clothes is a mismatch in capacity between the washer and dryer. Make sure you buy a dryer that can handle as much as your washer can, or you'll have to split clothes into two loads for drying. The dryer should have twice as large a capacity as the washing machine, so if you have a 3.5-cubic-foot washer, you'll need a 7.0-cubic-foot dryer.
The following is what experts say about choosing a dryer:
- Look for a dryer with a moisture sensor. A moisture sensor detects the level of moisture in the load and automatically turns off the heat when clothes are dry. It dries laundry more accurately than a thermostat sensor. A moisture sensor can also save you money in the long run by saving energy and reducing wear and tear on your clothes. Nearly all newer models have moisture sensors, but some very cheap dryers skip this feature to save money. Be sure to check the product literature.
- Drying racks are surprisingly useful. The drying rack keeps items from tumbling while the dryer runs, and this feature receives more compliments from owners than any other "extra." Although the most common use is for drying sneakers, it can also be used to protect bras and other delicates from tangling and damage.
- Depending on local fuel prices, a gas dryer may cost less to run than an electric dryer. Gas dryers generally cost about $50 to $100 more than electric dryers, but if your local gas prices are low and you have an available gas hookup, the energy savings will pay off in the long term. According to FlexYourPower.org, choosing a gas dryer instead of an electric one can save you up to 50 percent in laundry-related energy costs. If the dryer has a moisture sensor, as noted above, you could save an additional 15 percent.
- Larger dryers with extra tumbling room and airflow produce fewer wrinkles and faster drying times. Many dryers now have 7-cubic-foot drums or larger. Some models now have a reversible tumbling sequence that helps to untangle clothes and accelerate drying times. However, dryers with smaller drums will do as good a job as long as load sizes are appropriate.
- Choosing electronic touch-pad controls versus rotary dials is mostly a matter of preference, although electronic controls can be more repair-prone. Most low-priced dryers have rotary controls.
- Consider your laundry room and venting setup when buying a dryer. Some dryers offer additional installation options, like extended venting of up to 200 feet (standard venting is up to 64 feet) and three- or four-way venting for tight installations. Many dryers can also be stacked with a front-loading washer to save space, but you'll need to buy the matching washer and a stacking kit.
- Matching washer/dryer sets look nice, but don't usually offer other advantages. Unless you want to stack your washer and dryer -- or you're getting a substantial discount for buying a set -- there's little reason to buy a matched set other than aesthetics.
- Electric dryers generally require their own 220 volt electric line, protected by a 30-ampere breaker or fuse. Gas dryers usually use a 120 volt line, protected by a 15-amp circuit breaker or fuse. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications, and check that you have the necessary outlet and wiring in your home.